Briedis belter wins it late for Victory

Adelaide United 2-3 Melbourne Victory

By Kieran Yap 2/11/24

Above: Ava Briedis, Kayla Morrison and Rosie Curtis react to the late winner. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

An Ava Briedis wonder goal secured an opening-day win for Melbourne Victory against Adelaide United.

Victory arrived in Adelaide missing goalkeeper Lydia Williams, or fullbacks Beattie Goad and Ellie Wilson. They faced a Reds team without Chelsie Dawber, Nano Sasaki, Dylan Holmes, and Isabel Hodgson.

It was the new signings for each side that sparkled early. Nikki Flannery delivered a low cross from the right for Emily Gielnik to open the scoring. The lead would last only two minutes before Fiona Worts celebrated her return to the club with a sixth-minute equaliser.

Despite the significant absences from the team sheet. Adelaide’s midfield looked more in control of proceedings.

Erin Healy was a mobile and menacing presence between midfield and attack, while Lucía León was a threat on the right wing up against an inexperienced Laura Pickett.

Emily Condon and Emily Hodgson almost linked up to give the Reds the lead, and Alex Chidiac hit the crossbar as the two sides traded shots, but Victory’s main attacking outlet seemed to be long passes toward Gielnik. It did not appear to the game plan. But Adelaide appeared more energetic in the head and pressed Victory’s midfield deep and quickly.

Somewhat against the run of play, Victory went into halftime a goal ahead. Alana Jancevski sent in a perfect first-time cross from the left and Gielnik added her second with a rare but perfect-headed finish.

Victory started the second team brightly but could not find a way past Matilda McNamara and Ella Tonkin. In the 71st minute they equalised. Worts scored her second after an impressive build up resulted in a goalmouth scramble.

Victory responded by emptying the bench in search of a winner. Ella O’Grady, Sofia Sakalis, Rosie Curtis, and Ava Briedis all entered the game. The last substitute would be the most fateful and decisive one.

Deep into added time, Flannery cut inside and forced Claudia Jenkins into an athletic diving parry. The Reds’ defence could not clear the ball though and when the ball fell to Briedis she took her chance.

Briedis’s shot curled under the crossbar and sent the travelling supporters into raptures. It was the 18-year-old’s first senior A-League goal and could not have arrived at a better time.

Despite the result, Adelaide fans should be encouraged by the performance. They dominated for large patches of play and the match was largely played the way Adrian Stenta would’ve wanted it to be.

Victory’s win was a result of some calm, well timed substitutions. Jeff Hopkins did not react with changes despite Adelaide frustrating the visitor’s lauded midfield trio. The changes were made later, and caused maximum impact.

Both sides could expect better performances when injured or missing players return, but there was plenty to like for both sets of fans.

Next up. Victory take on Melbourne City, while Adelaide travel to play Western Sydney Wanderers.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED: Jenkins, E. Hodgson, Tonkin, McNamara, Tolland, Leon, Morgan, Dewey, Healy, Worts, Condon. Substitutes: Mullan, Grigg, Karambassis, Grove, Middleton.

Scorers: Worts 6’, 71’.

MELBOURNE VICTORY: Newbon, D’appolonia, Bunge, Morrison, Pickett, Murphy, Lowe, Chidiac, Flannery, Jancevski, Gielnik. Substitutes: Candy, Curtis, Briedis, O’Grady, Sakalis.

Scorers: Gielnik 4’, 71’. Briedis 90+2’.

Referee: Kelly Jones

Attendance: 1,022

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Five star City punish Perth

Melbourne City 5-2 Perth Glory

Report by Ben Gilby, EXCLUSIVE photography from Tilly McDonald at ctrl:cyber Pitch (3/11/24)

Above: Melbourne City’s Bryleeh Henry (22) gets up highest in the box today against Perth Glory. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

Defending Premiers Melbourne City came from 2-0 down, with four goals in a 20 minute second-half spell to send Perth Glory’s talented youngsters to defeat today at ctrl:cyber Pitch.

Both teams went into the season opener with new head coaches, a stack of new players, and some injury concerns. City boss Michael Matricciani was without inspirational captain Rebekah Stott as well as Shelby McMahon. Four players – Alexia Apostolakis, Malena Mieres, Mariana Speckmaier, and Lourdes Bosch made their league debuts for the Sky Blues.

Above: Lourdes Bosch (Sky Blue) takes on Georgia Cassidy (purple left) and Izzy Dalton. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

Perth head coach Stephen Peters’ starting line-up showed only four names who were at the club last season, an exceptionally young back line, and five locally produced players. The Western Australians were missing playmaker Susan Phonsongkham to long-term injury, as well as co-captain Onyi Zogg and Megan Wynne.

City, as is their style, dominated possession, and crafted the game’s first opportunity when former Perth player Leticia McKenna hit a shot wide of the post.

However, having possession is one thing, translating it to the scoreboard is another, and it was Perth who hit the front seven minutes in. Grace Johnston received possession from her own half and attacked along the left. Motoring forward, she laid a pass off to Kelli Brown inside her. Brown took two touches to steady herself and let fly from around 30 yards, left of centre to hit a shot that flew over Mieres’ dispairing glove and in.

Above: Perth Glory celebrate Kelli Brown’s opening goal today. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

City continued to have more of the ball, and it was again Leticia McKenna who had a chance when she pounced on a defensive error, but saw her shot go over the top.

Much of the home side’s joy in attack was coming along the left-hand flank with Bosch and Rhianna Pollicina looking to wreak havoc, but Perth’s young defence, featuring former City star Naomi Chinnama, held firm.

Above: Former Melbourne City player Naomi Chinnama on debut for Perth Glory today. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

Things got better still for the Western Australians early in the second half. Five minutes in, Karly Røstbakken’s attempted crossfield pass to Apostolakis along the back line was snaffled up by Miku Sunaga who hit a first-time high shot that was caught viciously by the wind and flew into the left-hand corner of the net.

However, just two minutes later, the defending Premiers hit back. Leticia McKenna’s low shot from just over 20 yards, right of centre, bounced right in front of Glory keeper Miranda Templeman who could only push the ball into the feet of the onrushing Pollicina to sweep home from close range.

City continued to push, and levelled the scores with just under half an hour remaining. Just on as a substitute, Tyla-Jay Vlajnic sent a corner curling in from the right which caused chaos at the back post. Chinnama initially cleared the ball from the line, but Kathryn Harvey turned it in from close range.

Above: Kathryn Harvey scores City’s equaliser from close range today. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

Two minutes later, a moment of sheer class from Pollicina led to the hosts taking the lead. Taking up possession outside the box, she turned one would-be tackler and then sent a magnificent shot curling into the top right-hand corner of the net.

The impressive Bosch created City’s fourth when she attacked along the left, cut in, and danced her way past Tijan McKenna and Cassidy before hitting a shot that deflected off of Chinnama into the path of Harvey who turned and shot just outside the six-yard box, right of centre past Templeman.

Above: Rhianna Pollicina (Sky blue, right) – two goals today. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

A flowing move deep into stoppage time at the end of the game saw the final goal of the afternoon. Apostolakis on the right fed Lauren Hughes inside her who played a pass to Harvey with possession then finding its way to Pollicina on the right-hand flank. Her teasing low cross was met by a low volley at the near post by Hughes who had got in front of her defender.

This was a demonstration by Melbourne City that, whilst they may be under new management, they still have the tactical nous and skill to win football matches with something to spare.

Whilst Perth Glory may have copped a beating, they showed a number of positives. This is a new squad, still missing key players, who are extremely young – but they have no end of skill and potential among them. Stephen Peters will take a lot from this game, and his players will learn from it.

More of Tilly McDonald’s images from ctrl:cyber Pitch today:

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Mieres, Røstbakken, Otto, Apostolakis, Henry, Hughes, Davidson, Bosch, Speckmaier, L. McKenna, Pollicina. Substitutes: Accardo, Barbieri (GK), Harvey, Meyers, Vlajnic.

Scorers: Pollicina 53′, 69′. Harvey 63′, 73′. Hughes 90+5′.

PERTH GLORY (4-2-3-1): Templeman, Johnston, Tathem, Chinnama-Thomas, T. McKenna, Cassidy, Dalton, Sunaga, Hollar, Lala, Brown. Substitutes: Anderson, Skinner (GK), Brooking, O’Donoghue, Roberts.

Scorers: Brown 7′, Sunaga 51′.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: 582.

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Marvellous Markovski’s brace spearheads Canberra to opening win

Canberra United 3-2 Brisbane Roar

by Joe Rosedon (2/11/24)

Above: Maja Markovski (far left) celebrates as Canberra United record an impressive opening round win today. Photo: Canberra United.

Canberra United claimed victory against Brisbane Roar in a thrilling season opener. A brace from new signing Maja Markovski, who carried on her superb NPLW Victoria form, and a sensational volley from Mary Stanic-Floody gave the home team enough to win despite spirited comebacks from Brisbane.

Despite the Roar’s bright start, it was the home side who opened the scoring and with devastating efficacy to boot. The move started at the feet of Sally James and was concluded when Emma Robers’ lifted through ball found Michelle Heyman’s run in behind. Her effort was parried by Olivia Sekany into the path of an onrushing Markovski to tap into a virtually empty net.

The visitors really should have equalised when Hayley Taylor Young’s poor first touch was pounced upon by Tamar Levin. James stood tall in the Canberra goal and was able to deny Levin from close range.

The Roar were duly punished for the miss. Markovski’s deft touch directed the ball towards Tegan Bertolissio. The fullback took the aerial route, with the intention of finding Heyman. Leia Varley won the dual against the Canberra captain but could only direct her clearance towards Stanic-Floody who thumped the ball home on the volley to double the home side’s advantage.

In response, Brisbane were wasteful in front of goal again. Sharn Freier was somehow unable to turn the ball home when Sally James tipped a cross from Deborah Anne de la Harpe directly into her path. The Matilda could not direct her header goalward.

Brisbane needed a goal soon after the restart if they stood any chance of getting a result. They were able to do just that. A brilliant switch of play from Tameka Yallop found her Matildas’ teammate Freier unmarked. Freier drove to the by-line, evaded Taylor-Young and cut the ball back for Evdokiya Popadinova to score on her Brisbane debut.

Canberra were able to restore their two goal cushion only five minutes later and Stanic- Floody and Markovski were involved once again. After multiple long balls into Brisbane’s penalty area, Stanic-Floody was eventually able to direct the ball into the path of Markoski. She did not make the cleanest contact with the ball and was aided by a deflection; but it was enough to beat Sekany.

As expected, Brisbane ramped up the pressure for the remainder of the game looking to salvage anything. They did manage to pull a goal back in the dying stages of the game. Deborah-Ann de la Harpe’s deflected free-kick gave the visitors a glimmer of hope, but Canberra stayed resolute to claim all three points.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (3-4-2-1): James, McKenzine, Taylor-Young, Bertolissio, Stanic-Floody, Robers, Christopherson, Malone, Markovski, Keane, Heyman. Substitutes: Majstorovic, Murray, Dos Santos, Nathan, Bowman.

Scorers: Markovski 15’, 56’. Stanic-Floody 31’.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-1-4-1): Sekany, Varley, de la Harpe, McQueen, Blissett, Hayahsi, Freier, Levin, Yallop, Woods, Popadinova. Substitutes: Kruger, Kuilamu, Hoyos, Pringle, Gibson.

Scorers: Popadiynova 50’, de la Harpe 89’.

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson.

Attendance: 1,180.

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Mariners begin season by defeating the champions

Central Coast Mariners 3-1 Sydney FC

by Isabelle Campbell (2/11/24)

Above: Celebration time for the Mariners today. Photo: Ninja A-League.

In an exciting season opener at Industree Group Stadium, Central Coast Mariners showcased their dominance with a 3-1 victory against Sydney FC. Despite an even share of the possession, the Mariners were the team to effectively capitalise on their opportunities, while Sydney struggled to convert their chances.

The first game of the season for the two sides taking place at Industree Group Stadium was not an easy one to predict. With both teams having a nearly even number of head to head wins, this promised to be another closely contested encounter.

Faye Bryson and Taylor Ray added a level of drama to the game having essentially swapped teams following last season, each able to bring unique insights from their former side into the game.

After heartbreakingly tearing her ACL in the opening game of last season, Nat Tobin made an inspiring return to the pitch, stepping back into action for the first time since her season ending injury.

In the first half, Central Coast Mariners held most of the possession, controlling the tempo of the game and consistently pushing forward in search of an opening goal. 

Despite their strong presence in midfield and a number of promising opportunities, both teams struggled to convert their chances into goals. The Mariners’ inability to find the back of the net was matched by the opposition as both sides searched for a crucial breakthrough.

In the 25th minute Sydney FC’s Mackenzie Hawkesby managed to place the ball in the net however moments later it was ruled offside.

The Mariners were awarded a penalty following a handball in the box by Millie Farrow. The penalty was comfortably converted into the first goal of the game by Jade Pennock, sending the ball flying past the presence of Sydney goalkeeper Brianna Edwards.

Going in at half-time the stats were all but equal with possession split essentially 50/50 as well as an even 3 shots on target for each of the sides.

Bianca Galic was subbed on for the Mariners at the beginning of the second half, replacing Shadeene Evans. This substitution later proved to make a positive impact on the game.

In the beginning minutes of the second half Sydney began to look like more of a threat as they began to hold the majority of the possession and take their chances on goal.

This boost for Sydney didn’t last long though as Mariners made it 2-0 with a strong and direct goal from 22-year-old Isabel Gomez to strengthen their lead.

Making an influential sub, Sydney brought on Princess Ibini in place of new signing Millie Farrow and just 10 minutes later she gave her side their opening goal.

In the dying minutes of the game, Bianca Galic closed the scoring and sealed her team the victory. 

Though the stats show a relatively even matchup, it was the Central Coast Mariners who were able to pull through for a win at their home grounds in round one of the season.

Sydney FC will be looking to collect their first point next weekend when they face off against Brisbane Roar, meanwhile The Mariners will be hoping to claim a second win as they come head to head with Western United.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-3-3): Langman, Riley, Irwin, Nash, Martin, Gomez, Pennock, Ray, Nunn, Trimis, Evans. Substitutes: Morrissey, Galic, Rasmussen, Quilligan, Puxty

Scorers: Pennock (Pen) 41’, Gomez 62’, Galic 87’.

SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Edwards, Tumeth, Tobin, Thompson, Bryson, Hollman, Lowry, Hawkesby, Connors, Farrow, Dos Santos. Substitutes: Franco, Chauvet, Ibini, Tallon-Henniker, Caspers

Goals: Ibini 83’.

Referee: Casey Reibelt

Attendance: 3,000.

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Four goals in 23 minutes sees Phoenix blown away by rampant Western United

Western United 4-2 Wellington Phoenix

by Emma Burke (1/11/24)

Above: Celebration time for Western United earlier today. Photo: A-Leagues.

The A-League Women’s 2024/25 season has opened with a bang after Western United defeated Wellington Phoenix 4-2 at Ironbark Fields.

It was a five-goal flurry in the first half, with the visiting Wellington Phoenix starting off the goal fest. A cross came in low and hard from Alyssa Whinham into the path of what looked like Mebae Tanaka to score on her debut, but the goal was later ruled an own goal for Sasha Grove who’s clearance sent the ball into the top of the net.

Western United took less than two minutes to respond, from the reset in play, Captain Chloe Logarzo was played into the box with a long ball over her head, however, her shot was deflected by Portuguese keeper Carolina Vilao. Thankfully for the Matilda, the deflection fell right back into her path. Her second shot was tucked under a diving Vilao and into the back of the net.

Western found a second goal through Aimee Medwin only two minutes after equalising. Kahli Johnson broke away due to an advantage played and put through an impressive cutback that found Medwin in the box completely unmarked amongst a sea of yellow shirts. 

The next goal came from Johnson, who found herself on the end of a well-timed and even better-paced cross from Catherine Zimmerman. Johnson’s first time hit on the ball went up and into the goal off the underside of the bar.

United scored their last goal of the game in the 40th minute after a mix-up in the Wellington Phoenix defence. Logarzo’s initial shot was deflected up into the air and came down on keeper Vilao who fumbled the ball when her own teammate Tiana Jaber got in her way while trying to head the ball away herself.

While the ball fell to the ground and Vilao threw herself after it, Logarzo came crashing in to put it over the line. However, Logarzo didn’t end up coming away with the last touch, as her touch seemed to be again deflected by Vilao, only for a waiting Zimmerman to put the ball over the line and it be awarded as a goal to Western United.

The second half saw Wellington try to play themselves back into the game. They came up with a few opportunities at goal, one particularly good one from Whinham, but her shot went straight into the keeper’s hands.

Some relief came to the visitors late in the game when they were awarded a penalty after substitute Lara Wall was taken down in the box by Grove.

Emma Main took the spot kick and sent United keeper Alyssa Dall’Oste diving to the left while Main’s shot went right down the middle and struck the underside of the bar.

The Phoenix, who had maintained most of the possession in the second half, were unable to find a third goal, despite a string of corner plays, leaving Western United comfortably, the hometown winners.

Western United will look to continue their winning form at home when they host the Central Coast Mariners at Ironbark Fields in round two, while Wellington Phoenix will be after their first points of the season when they host Canberra United at home at Porirua Park.

Don’t miss Adrian Geremia’s photo gallery from the game for Impetus now on our Insta page (@ImpetusFootball).

Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-4-2): Dall’Oste, Grove, Cerne, Dehakiz, Maher, Hieda, Roach, Logarzo, Zimmerman, Medwin, Johnson Substitutes: Ibarguen, Prakash, M. Taranto, Sardo

Scorers: Logarzo 17’, Medwin 19’, Johnson 39’, Zimmerman 40’.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (3-5-2): Vilao, Barry, Lake, Jaber, Elliot, McCutcheon, Whinham, Longo, Tanaka, Jale, Main Substitutes: McMeeken, Brazendale, Ingham, Wall.

Scorers: Grove (OG) 15′, Main 82’ (pen).

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 807.

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Bold Predictions for the A-League Women season.

By Impetus Writers 1/11/24

Above: Michelle Heyman for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra United

Impetus writers Ben Gilby, Jonathon Hagger, Kieran Yap, and Emma Burke look at the season ahead and make some specific predictions.

Next-gen stars from the West take the league by storm

by Ben Gilby

Above: Tanika Lala – one of a large number of local youngsters who could push Perth Glory towards the Finals. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Perth Glory FC.

Perth Glory never quite managed to reach their potential over the last three years of the competition – but a large group of locally produced young stars could be about to change that.

Two years missing out on Finals football on goal difference, then a point, before last season’s dramatic fall from grace which saw them fall from the top of the ladder to third-bottom after a dire run of form post-Christmas.

With Alex Epakis having departed and Stephen Peters replacing him as head coach, there has been a real shake-up of the squad. Whilst the arrival of Naomi Chinnama and Casey Dumont has taken the headlines, it is a large number of hugely talented local young stars coming in who have really enthused the Western Australian women’s football community.

Above: Tijan McKenna – back at home in WA and back to her best. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi

Last season saw the duo of Georgia Cassidy and Grace Johnston give a hint of their quality. Cassidy has the combination of centimetre perfect passing, superb set-pieces, and thumping challenges. Johnston has a never-ending work rate and an elegant range of delivery. But this season offers the return of that pair and a whole heap more.

Young Matilda Tijan McKenna has been a shining light in the NPLW WA with Perth SC. Back in her preferred centre midfield role, McKenna is showing all the class that has marked her out as a star for a while. Exceptional vision in bringing teammates into the game and a physical presence. She is back at the Glory where she was never previously given the game time she deserved which resulted in her departure to Melbourne City.

Above: Charli Wainwright (azure shirt) – a potential star in the making. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse RM Photography.

Three other names that will be potentially new to those outside Western Australia also have so much to offer. Charli Wainwright, 20, is a player of endless potential. With exceptional passing vision in the midfield and hugely intelligent runs in the channels mark her as a real star of the future.

The remaining pair are two of the hottest attackers that Western Australia has produced in recent times. Tanika Lala has been talked up locally for several years. Last year, despite Glory’s post-Christmas struggles, she wasn’t used until the final week of the campaign. This season though she can become one of the league’s top players. Explosive pace, real physical strength as well as the confidence to score from both long-range and inside the six yard box, the kid from Kalgoorlie has it all.

Above: Ella Lincoln (azure shirt) – in rampaging mood. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

Then there’s Ella Lincoln. Just 20 and off the back of scoring 26 goals in 21 NPLW WA matches for Perth SC. Comfortable on the left side of the attack as well as the central zone, Lincoln exudes confidence in the final third and is capable of popping all over the place. A true team player who gives her all for the shirt, Lincoln is a player who once she gets on the scoresheet just cannot stop.

Canberra Resurgence

By Jonathon Hagger

The Canberra United team will turn their previous seasons fortunes around in the 2024/2025 season, finishing in the top four, securing a home semifinal. Canberra have refreshed their playing lineup, following some amazing off season signings and transfers, that will sure up their competitiveness.

With incoming players –
• Liz Anton from Perth Glory
• Beth Gordon from Western Sydney Wanderers,
• Emma Robers from Western United
• Maja Markovski from Melbourne Victory


Canberra will start the season with a LOT of talent both on the park and on the bench. While Michelle Heyman isn’t getting any younger, her form is phenomenal and when Michelle does well, Canberra does well. Watch out for Emma Robers to guide the midfield, providing the go forward needed for goals to be scored by a stellar attacking frontline.

Nikki Flannery- Senior Matilda

By Kieran Yap

Flannery’s arrival at Melbourne Victory continued the club’s tradition of a statement signing every season. However unlike the previous big name arrivals, she is not a Matilda. That could be set to change.

Flannery was on the cusp of international football before a knee injury at a National Team Talent ID camp cruelly hampered her progress. In the last two seasons, she has been a consistent and selfless forward for Canberra United.

At Victory, Flannery will join an attack featuring Alex Chidiac, Emily Gielnik and Alana Jancevski. In a team that generally plays on the attack, she will have opportunities and time to terrorise already stretched defences.

Flannery can play on either wing, can score goals and is dangerous in any attacking setup.

The Matildas have Hayley Raso as an outstanding pure winger, but outside of the Tottenham star, that spot seems to be up for grabs, and options are being explored.

Flannery’s game seems built for international football, of she plays to her potential at Victory, she could receive a call up by the end of the season.

City to win three trophies

By Emma Burke

My bold prediction for the 2024/25 season is that Melbourne City will complete the Treble.

City winning the A-League Women’s Premiership and Championship, and the Asian Women’s Champions League, is a very possible feat for the club.

With new striking power in the form of Venezuelan international Mariana Speckmaier, and the ability to score goals in a number of ways, City has the power up top to be very successful this season.

It’s well known, however, that Defence’s win Championships, and City’s backline made up of Captain Rebekah Stott, Taylor Otto, Karly Roestbakken, Bryleeh Henry, and new arrival from Western Sydney Wanderers Alexia Apostolakis, is one that can easily be envisioned securing silverware.

The Treble would be a marker of huge success for Melbourne City as a Club, as they haven’t done a double since 2020, and it would be done under a new head coach in Michael Matricciani.

Also it would just be really funny, wouldn’t it?

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Africans set the NWSL alight

by Emmanuel Faith (31/10/24)

Above: Zambia’s power duo Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji pose in front of their compatriots after a match between Bay FC and Orlando Pride. Photo: Fervora on Twitter.

The home fans went crazy when the Malawian striker, Temwa Chawinga scored her 20th goal of the season. It was record-breaking as it meant she had now scored against all the clubs she played against in the regular season, something that has never happened in the history of the NWSL. This isn’t the only record an African has broken this season. There are a lot more.

Africans rejoiced with brimming glee when the Zambian striker Racheal Kundananji joined Bay FC.  In a transfer that made her become the most expensive women’s footballer in history, the former Madrid CFF star cost Bay FC $860,000. Her compatriot Barbra Banda followed suit, joining Orlando Pride from Shanghai Shengli for another huge sum – $740,000, the second-largest transfer fee in NWSL history at that moment.

To have the two most expensive players come from the African continent was a remarkable feat. Beyond these mega transfers, there was the influx of other notable names, like the six-times African Player of the year, Asisat Oshoala who moved to Bay FC, South Africa’s midfield maestro, Linda Mothalo came over to Racing Louisville, and her compatriot, Hilda Magaia joined KC Current alongside Temwa Chawinga.

It was a strategic aggregation of talents with immense impact.

Above: Nigeria’s attacker, Uchenna Kanu fires a shot that set a NWSL record against Portland Thorns. Photo: NWSL on Twitter.

Africans didn’t just make up the numbers, their impact was indelible. Nigeria’s winger, Uchenna Kanu scored the fastest and earliest brace in the history of the NWSL against Portland Thorns on 30th March 2024.

Malawian attacker, Temwa Chawinga broke the goal-scoring record after hitting her 20th goal, breaking the record of 18 goals set by Matildas talisman, Sam Kerr in 2019. The African striker has been compared consistently to the Australian superstar who smashed different records including being the top goal-scorer for three consecutive seasons between 2017 and 2019. Chawinga also set a new record of scoring against all the 13 teams she played against.

Banda also follows closely on all notable metrics with 13 goals and six assists in 25 matches. She also ties with Chawinga in number of shots attempted (80) and was crucial to Orlando Pride winning their first shield in 12 years.

Above: Malawian striker Temwa Chawinga celebrates one of her record-breaking goals. Photo: KC Current on Twitter.

Beyond goal-scoring and attacking records, there is an aggregation of fans coming together and more connection formed between supporters and players. This was in full display when Orlando Pride played Bay FC this season, as Zambians flocked to take pictures with both Kundananji and Banda after the match.

A similar scenario happened when Bay FC faced Houston Dash, earlier in the season as Nigerians poured out to celebrate their players, Asisat Oshoala and Michelle Alozie.

A couple of Africans have nicked the playoff spot, and a more will be hoping for some last match day miracle, whatever the outcomes of the last matches are, NWSL fans won’t forget the regular season in a long while, thanks to the Africans who lit up the league with the flair, their talent and their bedazzling brilliance.

Above: Bay FC attacking duo- Asisat Oshoala and Racheal Kundananji celebrate a crucial goal that takes them closer to play-offs.Photo: Fervora on Twitter.

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Talaslahti becomes ambassador for Africa on the Ball

(31/10/24)

Above: Dijon goalkeeper Katriina Talaslahti, Scottish-based charity Africa on the Ball’s latest ambassador, in action. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

Katriina Talaslahti, goalkeeper for D1 Arkema club DFCO Dijon Football Côte-d’Or (DFCO) in France, has been announced as the latest ambassador for Scotland-based Africa On The Ball (AOTB), a charity dedicated to using the power of football to drive social change in Africa.

As a professional footballer with a passion for empowering young people, Talaslahti is excited to lend her voice and influence to this important cause, which focuses on improving the lives of individuals and communities through football, health, and education initiatives.

Finnish-born Talaslahti began her football career in Germany, where she won U17 and U19 championships before signing with Olympique Lyonnais. With over a decade of international experience, she speaks four languages and is dedicated to sharing her love for the game with the next generation.

Above: Katriina Talaslahti jumps high to clear for Dijon against Olympique Lyonnais. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Africa On The Ball,” said Talaslahti. “This charity is close to my heart for many reasons, and I know that the work they do both locally and internationally makes a huge difference. I look forward to helping more young people get involved in football, take care of their health, and develop important life skills. Football has been a central part of my life, and I’m excited to use my platform to help others achieve more in theirs.”

In her role as ambassador, Talaslahti will be actively involved in raising awareness of AOTB’s efforts, particularly their initiatives in Zambia, where the charity runs grassroots football and community development programs. She will support campaigns, participate in fundraising events, and engage new audiences to further expand AOTB’s impact. Talaslahti also hopes to collaborate with other footballers and professionals to amplify the charity’s message and reach.

AOTB is a charity that uses football as a vehicle for social change in Zambia and across Africa. Founded in 2013 by Stirling University student Andrew Jenkin and Zambian footballer Kelvin Chasauka, AOTB runs grassroots programs that focus on education, healthcare, inclusivity, and entrepreneurship, empowering communities to create sustainable futures. The charity supports over 15 football teams in the Kalingalinga region and has built vital infrastructure like water kiosks and provided scholarships for education.

For more information on Africa On The Ball or to make a donation, please visit www.africaontheball.org.

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Peters & Dalton: We’re pumped and ready for the challenges ahead

by Ben Gilby (30/10/24)

Above: Perth Glory head coach Stephen Peters speaking earlier today to the media. Image: Perth Glory.

A new look Perth Glory side face one of the toughest possible opening round tasks – a trip to Melbourne City – but new head coach Stephen Peters and captain Izzy Dalton cannot wait.

Facing the media ahead of his first A-League Women game as a head coach, Peters was full of smiles as he described his feelings ahead of Round One: “Pumped! I’m loving it…there is an air of optimism, City is a formidable opponent, and we’re looking forward to that challenge.

“We’ve had a chance to look at them due to their AFC (Champions League) duties, so that’s a bonus for us, and they are a good side…it’s going to give us a real good indication of where we are at.”

In terms of what he is expecting to see from City, the new Perth head coach reflected: “They seem to have a philosophy in the club that is carried through from manager to manager to a certain degree, so there are a few things that are remaining from Dario’s (Vidosic) reign.”

Glory go into Sunday’s game in Melbourne missing three key players in Susan Phonsongkham, Megan Wynne, and co-captain Onyi Zogg. The news about Phonsongkham, who last season arguably had her best campaign in a purple shirt, is particularly devastating.

“Susan has an ankle injury which she unfortunately carried into pre-season from the NPL Grand Final, so she’ll be out for a period of time – we’re looking at three to four months, so that’s a significant challenge for us as she’s a player of real quality.”

Welsh international Wynne has a wrist injury which is likely to keep her out for around three weeks, with Zogg back “sooner rather than later” after pain in her plantar (the area of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes).

Whilst Perth goes into the game as underdogs, Peters has an air of confidence that his young squad is ready to step up to the plate and give the club a performance to be proud of this weekend.

Above: Izzy Dalton speaking earlier today. Image: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory co-captain Izzy Dalton believes she has found her happy place at Perth which can only bode well for her performances this season.

The 27-year-old, from Barnsley in the north of England, said: “I love Perth, it’s the first club I’ve been at in my career where I feel like it’s home for me.

As one of relatively few players who have stayed at the club from last season, Dalton feels the responsibility to deliver both a better campaign this year, and also ensure that the newcomers realise what it means to represent Western Australia’s only professional female team.

“It’s been tough having an overhaul of the squad, there are a lot of young players that have come through. For those of us who have stuck around from last year, I think it’s just about taking what we know about the club and what we want the club to look like and address that with the (new) players and create something special at the club. The few players that did come back, I think we’ve been able to do that.

One of the things that excites Dalton most about the team this season is the plethora of exciting young locally produced talent. The Glory co-captain believes the new cohort has the perfect example of teen stars Grace Johnston and Georgia Cassidy to inspire them to do great things this year.

“You got to see the likes of Grace and Georgia playing a lot of minutes last year, and I think the way they have come in this season, they are confident, they have experience in the league under their belt now, and at the end of the day, they are the bright stars of this competition.

“They are going to go on to have incredible careers and will bring in what they have learned in the past year from professional football and they will do some exciting things.”

Focusing specifically on Sunday’s season opener at Melbourne City, Dalton has huge respect for the opposition. “They are able to recruit well and they have a track history of winning things, so obviously that’s attracted the players that they want to be at that club and they can bring in some of the best Australian talent that there is. We have tactics in place to combat what they want to do and hopefully, it all comes to fruition on Sunday.”

Those tactics will also include a new style of play that Peters has introduced. Whilst not giving much away, the Glory midfielder gave some tempters of what fans can expect.

“There are new approaches to the way he wants us to play, so I think naturally we have to take his things on board and adapt to the way he wants us to play. I think you will definitely see a lot of changes across the board in defence and in possession as to how we want to play.”

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England clinch the win after a close fight against South Africa 

by Rachel Gore at the Coventry Building Society Arena (29/10/24)

Above: The Lionesses group together for a team photo ahead of the International friendly. Photo: Lionesses on X

How did England secure victory? 

England came onto the pitch with a strong attacking drive. In the first half, the Lionesses played excellently down the left side. Maya Le Tissier drove the movement from the back line and made strong, targeted passes which delivered the ball higher up the pitch. 

Their set pieces seemed well trained with their first goal being converted from a corner; Williamson knocked the ball into the net making the milestone of her 50th cap even more special. Post match, Wiegman confirmed that the squad had been working on corners in training and that she was “very happy” that this had resulted in a goal. 

Whilst the second half highlighted some of England’s weaknesses, elements of it also showed promise. At the beginning of the second 45, the players held the ball firmly. Whilst the ball was often taken off the English forwards by the South African defence, the European champions did not allow it to move beyond the halfway line.

England’s substitutions also reminded spectators of the depth that the current squad has. Hemp played a strong game, retrieving passes and dragging the ball forward. Additionally, Bronze found herself in one-on-one duels with South African forwards where she made crucial saves that stopped her side from conceding.

England’s emerging stars

The match against Germany highlighted the talent of some of the Lionesses’ most recent debutants. Jessica Naz stepped up to the plate on her first senior start and appeared to be comfortable on the pitch. She provided the assist for Williamson’s goal which allowed the English to take an early lead.

At the beginning of the match, Jess Park shone; she proved her technical ability by making strong runs through the middle whilst keeping the ball close by. Le Tissier played the full 90 minutes and acted as a crucial member of the backline.

Following Bronze’s replacement for Esme Morgan at 62 minutes, Le Tissier moved over from the right to the left side of the pitch. This move emphasised the defender’s versatility as she continued to shine in her new position for the remainder of the match. 

A particular highlight of the first half was watching the young players work together; many passes were made between Park and Naz, with further movements between Grace Clinton and Park proving to be vital in leading the ball into England’s attacking half. One example of this partnership between the young ballers was Le Tissier’s assist for Clinton’s goal. It was a strong cross over to her Manchester United team-mate who was able to head it into the back of the net.

Above: Grace Clinton, Maya Le Tissier, and Jessica Naz celebrate Clinton’s goal. Photo: Lionesses on X

This goal was the highlight of an impressive evening for Clinton who was later awarded the EE Player of the Match trophy. Speaking about Clinton’s performance post-match, Wiegman said that she did “what [they] wanted from her” and that “she needs to keep doing that and stay consistent”. 

Where do England go from here? 

Much of England’s mistakes stemmed from complacent moments where the ball slipped into South Africa’s possession. The Lionesses giving away of the ball allowed South Africa to capitalise. In these moments, England’s defence became messy, a prime example of this was when Kgatlana found herself able to make a strong run at goal and take a stunning shot that ended up in the back of the net. This goal was caused by a defensive slip-up from England that left Earps alone.

Up front, England struggled once more with converting shots into goals; at 34 minutes an attempt on goal from Clinton fell short and in the second half a shot from Kelly hit the crossbar. England continue to show potential in their performances, but this match again highlighted elements of their game that must be focused on in the lead-up to the Euros next summer. 

How did South Africa transform from the first to the second half? 

In the first half, South Africa struggled to gain possession. The away team would have benefitted from pressing England so that they could move further up the pitch and into England’s defensive half. 

The second half saw a different South African side; their defence became cleaner with much of the half consisting of tackles on English forwards. Furthermore, the visitors players were seen to take a better advantage of the time they had on the ball in the second half.

The forwards made swift and smart runs into their attacking half resulting in a goal and a second goal which was disallowed for being offside. These fast-paced movements startled England and resulted in a messy and chaotic backline. 

The stars of the South African side 

South Africa’s captain, Kgatlana, made many rapid, strong runs at goal which threw England off their tracks. Her technical ability on the ball was highlighted during these moments as she was able to wind through English defenders into open space. Following the game, Wiegman described Kgatlana as “fast and technical”. 

The substitution of Dlamini for Swart after half time didn’t dilute South Africa’s quality. Indeed, Dlamini proved to be just as impressive as Swart had been. Both goalkeepers made some impressive saves and ensured that they held the ball safe. This allowed the ball to remain protected and contained. Their performances stood out and England would have led by many more goals if it was not for their input.  

Teams – ENGLAND: Earps, Le Tissier, Morgan, Stanway, Williamson, Greenwood, Kelly, Clinton, Naz, Park, Mead. Substitutes: Russo (for Naz 62’), Bronze (for Morgan 62’), Kirby (for Park 62’), Toone (for Clinton 62’), Hemp (for Mead 72’), Bright (for Williamson 72’).

Scorers: Williamson 12’, Clinton 23’. 

SOUTH AFRICA: Swart, Ramalepe, Cesane, Dhlamini, Magaia, Motlhalo, Kgatlana, Cesane, Mbane, Makhubela, Motau. Substitutes: Dlamini (GK for Swart 45’), Biyana (for Cesane 45’), Holweni (for Motau 76’).

Scorer: Kgatlana (54’).   

Referee: Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi.

Attendance: 20,400.

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